Articulated Riding Mower Collection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Riding lawn mowers often sacrifice maneuverability due to their larger size, and existing configurations face challenges with clogging in collection systems, particularly in moist or dense vegetation conditions.
Innovation Solution
An articulated riding lawn mower with a front-mounted cutting deck and an integrated auger assembly that transports clippings to a suspended collection container, maintaining efficient conveyance and preventing clogging through continuous rotation and compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If riding lawn mowers use a larger platform to provide functional accessories and larger cutting deck, then cutting capability and functional versatility are improved, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is segmented into multiple components: front-mounted cutting deck, auger assembly with horizontal and vertical sections, and suspended collection container. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as an integrated system that maintains maneuverability through articulated geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The collection container is suspended above the rear articulating section rather than being mounted traditionally, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that optimizes both maneuverability and collection capacity. The auger assembly extends horizontally from the cutting deck and then vertically to reach the container, utilizing spatial dimensions efficiently
2Quantity of substance
If the collection system uses a suspended container above the rear articulating section, then collection capacity is improved, but material transport complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auger assembly merges horizontal and vertical material transport functions into a single integrated component. The horizontal section transports clippings from the cutting deck to the vertical section, which then conveys materials upward to the collection container, combining multiple transport operations in one assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The auger assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cutting deck and the suspended collection container. It bridges the spatial gap and functional requirement, transferring materials efficiently without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional active components
3Reliability
If the auger assembly continuously rotates to prevent clogging, then collection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auger assembly operates with continuous rotation to maintain uninterrupted material flow from the cutting deck to the collection container. This continuous action prevents clogging by keeping the auger surfaces in constant motion, ensuring reliable operation even in moist or dense vegetation conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The auger assembly design incorporates specific geometric parameters and rotation speeds that optimize the balance between preventing clogging and minimizing energy consumption. The continuous rotation at controlled parameters ensures material flow without excessive energy input
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances maneuverability and collection efficiency, allowing for greater capacity and reduced manual intervention in emptying the collection container, while maintaining a robust and efficient collection system.
Implementation Method 1
an auger assembly that serves to facilitate the collection capability. The auger assembly may be integrated into the system in a number of different configurations where the auger assembly supplies collected materials from a front mounted cutting deck into a container
Data Source
AI summary
A lawn care device (10) may include an articulated frame (40), a cutting deck (50, 100), a collection container (12) and a chute (82). The articulated frame (40) may include a front frame portion (42) to which front wheels (34) are operably coupled and a rear frame portion (44) to which rear wheels (32) are operably coupled, the front frame portion (42) and rear frame portions (44) being operably coupled by an articulated joint. The cutting deck (100) may house at least one blade (110, 112, 114) and the cutting deck (100) may be mounted to the front frame portion (42), forward of the front wheels (34). The collection container (12) may collect material from the cutting deck (50, 100) and may be affixed to the front frame portion (42) and suspended over the rear wheels (32). The chute (82) may be operably coupling the cutting deck (50, 100) and the collection container (12) to pass the material from the cutting deck (50, 100) to the collection container (12).